TEXAS — On August 30, 2015, at about 3:19 am., Officer N. Pugh of the Hurst Police, was on normal patrol. At this time, he was driving near the intersection of Desiree Lane. Officer Pugh observed in the Bank of America parking lot, a blue forklift, pushing an ATM.
The Bank of America is located in the 8600 blk of Bedford Euless Rd, in North Richland HIlls. Officer Pugh attempted to stop the forklift, by activating his overhead emergency lights, however the forklift continued driving towards the highway 183 service road.
During this time, the forklift struck another ATM and became stuck at the location. Officer Pugh saw the driver of the forklift exit and start running. Officer Pugh gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop.
Officer Pugh then informed dispatch he was in foot pursuit with the suspect, later identified as Max Carrel Rippetoe, W/M, 36 years of age.
The foot pursuit went around the Bank of America building, until Rippetoe stumbled and fell to the ground. Officer Pugh was able to catch up to Rippetoe and attempt to subdue him.
There was a physical altercation between Officer Pugh and Rippetoe, which resulted in Officer Pugh utilizing his Taser to stop the aggression. Other Hurst Officers and North Richland Hills Officers arrived on scene, and Rippetoe was taken into custody.
Due to the taser deployment, Rippetoe was transported to the hospital for treatment by North Richland Hills EMS. Rippetoe was arrested by North Richland Hills Police for the theft of the ATM and later taken to the North Richland Hills jail.
During the altercation Officer Pugh sustained an injury to his hand, which required medical attention. Later it was determined the forklift used by Rippetoe had been stolen from the Taco Casa, construction site in the 1000 blk of Pipeline Rd, in Hurst.
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Hurst Police reported the theft of the Forklift, which was valued at about $ 25,000. Rippetoe was also charged with the forklift theft.
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